Rio Ferdinand is the latest in a long line of England players to suffer World
Cup injury heartbreak.

Kevin Keegan Plagued by a chronic back problem, Keegan drove from Spain to Germany to consult a specialist days before the 1982 World Cup. Missed England’s first four games, but appeared as a substitute, and missed a sitter, in a draw against Spain that confirmed elimination.

Bryan Robson A dislocated shoulder suffered in the months prior to Mexico 1986 failed to heal properly and, within four minutes of the second group game against Morocco, Robson repeated the injury. His Italia 90 campaign was also cut short due to an Achilles injury.

David Beckham Suffered a broken metatarsal with Manchester United two months before Japan 2002. Recovered to make the squad and scored the winner against Argentina, but fitness was not 100 per cent.

Gary Neville Two weeks after Beckham’s foot injury, Neville was also hit by the curse of the metatarsal. England’s first-choice right-back was forced to miss Japan 2002, with Danny Mills taking his place.

Steven Gerrard Forced out of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s 2002 World Cup squad after aggravating a long-term groin injury while playing for Liverpool in the final game of the 2001-02 season.

Danny Murphy Called from 2002 standby list as replacement for Gerrard, Murphy suffered a broken metatarsal in training 11 days later. The Liverpool midfielder was replaced by Trevor Sinclair.

Wayne Rooney Broke fourth metatarsal against Chelsea just six weeks before start of Germany 2006. Spent time in oxygen chamber to boost recovery. Declared fit for squad, but missed first game and looked short of fitness before being sent off in quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Michael Owen Faint hopes of selection for South Africa 2010 were extinguished by detached hamstring suffered on the much-criticised Wembley pitch in Carling Cup final. His 2006 campaign was cut short by a serious knee injury in the group clash with Sweden.

Rio Ferdinand Having battled against back and calf injuries all season, Ferdinand’s hopes of captaining England in South Africa areover after he injured his knee during training at Royal Bafokeng.

– Select your Telegraph Fantasy World Cup team now for your chance to win more than £30,000. Play now